Spitfire Song
Southampton In Song
The Songs
Spitfire Song
Not strictly a song about Southampton, but we feel it qualifies on 2 counts; firstly, Southampton was the spiritual home of the Spitfire, being designed by Sotonian R J Mitchell, and subsequently built in the city, and secondly it was written by one of the city's most famous sons - Horace King.
Prior to his career in politics, Horace King taught English at Taunton's Grammar School, and was also a musician, entertainer and accomplished songwriter. This song, written in 1940, was recorded by Joe Loss (amongst others), and received the ultimate accolade in 2004 when John Peel played it on one of his radio shows!
It was originally written to raise funds to finance local Spitfire construction, and although originally entitled "The Hampshire Spitfire Song" the composer encouraged other towns and counties to use it to raise their own funds and use their own names - in this spirit, we are pleased to offer "The Southampton Spitfire Song".
It is also our great pleasure to be able to thank the City of Southampton (Albion) Band who accompany us on this song.
Brian Hooper
Jeff Henry